Scammers are targeting clients looking to get their hair braided by using real stylists’ work and creating fake social media pages.
Reports of Scams
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is receiving reports of scams targeting individuals wanting braids. Scammers take pictures from legitimate stylists and post them on fake social media pages.
Modus Operandi
Potential clients find the fake pages and book appointments, often making small deposits. Clients realize they have been scammed when they do not hear back from the supposed stylist on the appointment day.
Impact on Legitimate Businesses
Real stylists like Porsche Hensley, who has been braiding hair for over 10 years and owns Divine Innovation 615 in Nashville, are affected. Hensley reported instances where clients arrived for appointments, only to find out they were scammed.
Precautions to Avoid Scams
BBB advises not to pay for the service in full before the appointment. Visit the stylist’s location before booking. Verify the stylist’s work by searching for them online and including the word “scam” after their name. Ask for the stylist’s license number and verify it.
Continuing the Business
Despite the scams, stylists like Porsche Hensley remain undeterred and continue their work.
Conclusion
Scammers exploiting the popularity of hair braiding are causing issues for both clients and legitimate stylists. Clients are advised to take precautions to ensure they are booking authentic services.
The world premiere of See You Yesterday took place this evening, May 3, 2019 at the SVA Theater and was attended by director and writer Stefon Bristol, writer Fredrica Bailey, stars Eden Duncan-Smith, Danté Crichlow, Brian “Stro” Bradley, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Wavyy Jonez, Johnathan Nieves andcomposer Michael Abels. The screening was followed by an intimate Q&A with the director, screenwriter and key cast.NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 03: Damaris Lewis and Stefon Bristol attend the after party for Netflix’s “See You Yesterday” Tribeca Film Festival Premiere at Catch NYC on May 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 03: Co-Writer Fredrica Bailey, Director and Co-Writer Stefon Bristol, Dante Crichlow, Eden Duncan-Smith, Brian “Stro” Bradley and Marsha Stephanie Blake participate in the Q&A for Netflix’s “See You Yesterday” Tribeca Film Festival Premiere at the SVA Theatre on May 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 03: Dante Crichlow, Marsha Stephanie Blake, and Stella Magloire attend the after party for Netflix’s “See You Yesterday” Tribeca Film Festival Premiere at Catch NYC on May 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 03: (L-R) Ejyp Johnson, Co-Writer Fredrica Bailey, Waliek Crandall, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Wavyy Jonez, Eden Duncan-Smith, Dante Crichlow, Johnathan Nieves, Director and Co-Writer Stefon Bristol, Brian “Stro” Bradley, Taliyah Whitaker, and Patrice Bell attend the Netflix’s “See You Yesterday” Tribeca Film Festival Premiere at the SVA Theatre on May 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 03: Director and Co-Writer Stefon Bristol and family attend the Netflix’s “See You Yesterday” Tribeca Film Festival Premiere at the SVA Theatre on May 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 03: Producers Matthew Myers and Jason Sokoloff attend the Netflix’s “See You Yesterday” Tribeca Film Festival Premiere at the SVA Theatre on May 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Netflix)
